By james art 
The LoHi Trek, an annual multi-day hiking and camping excursion in the unique Loess Hills of western Iowa, was held Oct. 17 through Oct. 20 in Mills and Fremont counties.
The route included scenic gravel and dirt roads, state parks and wildlife areas, according to Golden Hills Resource Conservation & Development.
The idea for LoHi — which is short for Loess Hills — began when Monona County resident Kelly Madigan walked the length of Iowa’s Loess Hills in 2020.
The trekkers arrived on the evening of October 16 to camp in Mills County. Due to a fairly large area without public lands, private landowner Anne Stojsich allowed the group to camp on her property. Prior to the LoHi Trek, several participants assisted with land management and invasive species management on the Stoysich property as a token of appreciation.
Hikers take Lake Hill Road in Mills County.
LANCE BRISEBOIS, GOLDEN HILLS
Each evening the group received a briefing on the next day’s route to help understand the logistics. During each leg of the trip a lead hiker familiar with the route led the group and many areas were marked with marker tape.
Trekkers were given information on the principles of Leave No Trace and how to walk safely in the different areas, which includes everything from well-maintained trails to public roads to wildlife areas without marked trails.
The group included a mix of previous trekkers and new ones. During the event, participants volunteered for various necessary tasks to help the organizers.
Hikers on the LoHi Trek traverse Lake Hill Road in Mills County.
LANCE BRISEBOIS, GOLDEN HILLS
Tourists arrive at the historic Waubonsie Church in Glenwood.
LANCE BRISEBOIS, GOLDEN HILLS